Qualifications & Expectations

Get ready for the road

Qualifications

In order to become a truck driver at Prime, you must meet a set of qualifications and requirements to ensure that we are hiring the safest and most skilled associates for the job. The information below is subject to change and does not include all qualifications for Prime. If you have any questions about this information below, contact our Recruiting Department.

Must be at least 21 years old with a valid US driver’s license for the past 12 months
Be able to obtain U.S. Passport, TWIC Card and Hazmat Endorsement
Have a verifiable work history and references
Have an acceptable motor vehicle record
Must be able to meet minimum medical qualifications set by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration

We comply with the medical requirements and standards set by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration to ensure that all of our truck operators conduct themselves as safely as possible. Each new truck driver must take a thorough physical exam that meets or exceeds these standards. You are required by law to disclose all treatment, medications and medical information with the doctor that is conducting your DOT physical.

Some basic requirements are:

Blood Pressure Levels: 140 over 90 or lower
Eyesight: 20/40 or better in each eye (with corrective lenses if needed)
Hearing: Must be able to hear a forced whisper at 6 feet
Diabetic: Sugar levels must be well controlled with an A1c level of 10 or less. If you’re on insulin, you will need form MCSA-5870 which can be found on the FMCSA website.
Heart Related Issues: You will need cardiology clearance and possibly recent stress test or echocardiogram results.

This list is not exhaustive of every disqualifying medical condition, medication or treatment. Please discuss your concerns with your primary care physician before you arrive at Prime.

Before heading to orientation for Prime Inc., you may have questions regarding sleep apnea and screening measures to ensure Prime Drivers are safe and ready for the road. Prime Inc. partners with Cardinal Sleep to offer onsite sleep apnea testing, solutions, and equipment. Learn more here: Sleep Apnea.

Reba Hoffman, a female truck driver at Prime, standing in front of a row of Freightliner semi-trucks.

Two Prime truck drivers posing for a picture in front of a black Freightliner semi-truck.

Two of Prime Inc's female truck drivers, standing in front of a brown semi-truck, wearing bright yellow safety vests.

Joining prime

Expectations

You’ve decided to take your first step toward becoming a truck driver and earn your Class A CDL. What’s next? Find out what to expect as you begin this journey.

Step Two

START CDL TRAINING

Once you’ve gone through orientation, you’ll train one-on-one with a CDL instructor for 2-4 weeks while running real loads across the country. During this time, you’ll gain the experience you need to earn your CDL.

Step Four

Get Paid to Train

After you earn your CDL, you’ll continue training with a TNT Trainer with a goal to obtain a minimum of 50,000 training miles. Earn a guarantee of $700/week until you reach 40,000 miles, and earn a guarantee of $800/week after that until you upgrade. Guarantee is earned as long as you are available for dispatch.

Step one

Attend orientation

You will attend an orientation week at one of our facilities nearest you (Springfield, MO; Pittston, PA; or Salt Lake, UT). Prime will cover your hotel stay and 3 meals per day during your orientation process. Experience hands-on, classroom, and simulator training before getting into a truck with a trainer.

Step Three

Take your exam

Return to your training location to take your CDL exam and earn your CDL. Once you have earned your CDL, you’ll be able to start the next phase of your training and move closer to becoming a truck driver. Plus, you’ll get a $250 bonus if you pass your exam on the first try!

Step Five

Launch your career

When you obtain 50,000 team miles, you will be eligible for upgrade review. Upgrading into your own truck is based on service, safety, and truck availability. You can make the choice to be a solo or team driver and choose whether to lease your own truck or get into a company truck. From there, the road is yours.

Truck Driving Career Path

Prime drivers can choose from several different career paths depending on their level of experience and interests. Explore your options.

Choose your driving style:

Company

All company drivers are typically paid by the mile and are eligible for a number of benefits from Prime, including health insurance, 401k with company match, and paid vacation.

Or

Independent contractor

Independent contractors (or owner operators) are paid a percentage of the freight bill and have a higher earning potential. Contractors also can take advantage of Prime's Rewards and Retention Program.

Solo

Take on the road all on your own. If you are looking to have your own space, solo driving might be the best option for you.

Or

Team

Pair up and hit the road. Team drivers can earn more by working together, working with alternating schedules to make sure that you’re running for more time and more miles. Plus, you’ll always have someone by your side to share the road with.

Over-the-road

See the beauty of the country when you travel across the country as an over-the-road (OTR) driver. OTR drivers are typically out for 3-4 weeks at a time before returning home, delivering important freight to our customers.

Or

Regional

Enjoy steady pay and frequent hometime by being a regional driver. Focus your deliveries on a specific region instead of across the country, allowing you to get back home more often.

Umbrella of Support

Rainy days can happen out on the road, but your umbrella of support here at Prime will help keep you running safely and successfully for the long haul.